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Schenectady County Jail Visitation Center

County Jail

Last Updated: April 22,2024


Visitation Hours

Schenectady County Jail - Visitation

Times and days are subject to change without notice

  • Monday 8:30 am - 4 pm
  • Thursday 9 am - 4 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday 10 am - 3:30 pm
  • Sunday 10 am - 3:30 pm
  • All federal holidays

This facility may also have a video visitation option, please call 518-388-4300 for more information, alerts, or scheduling changes.

General Visitation Information

Schenectady County Jail - Visitation

Visiting Hours

Day Time Location Monday 8:30am-9:30am 3rd & 4th Floor 10:00am-1100am 5th Floor 12:00pm-1:00pm G Block 1:30pm-2:30pm H Block Tuesday 8:30am-9:30am Dorm 1 Left 10:00am-11:00am Dorm 1 Right 12:00pm-1:00pm C Block 1:30pm-2:30pm 1st Floor Wednesday 8:30am-9:30am A Block 10:00am-11:00am 5th Floor 12:00pm-1:00pm D Block 1:30pm-2:30pm F Block Thursday 8:30am-9:30am Dorm 2 10:00am-11:00am E Block 12:00pm-1:00pm B Block 1:30pm-2:30pm 2nd Floor Friday No Visitations Saturday 8:30am-9:30am G Block 10:00am-11:00am H Block 12:00pm-1:00pm 1st Floor 1:30pm-2:30pm Dorm 2 4:00pm-5:00pm 4th Floor 6:00pm-7:00pm C Block 7:30pm-8:30pm 3rd Floor Sunday 8:30am-9:30am D Block/2nd Floor (R) 10:00am-11:00am E Block 12:00pm-1:00pm B Block/2nd Floor (L) 1:30pm-2:30pm A Block 4:00pm-5:00pm Dorm 1 Right 6:00pm-7:00pm Dorm 1 Left 7:30pm-8:30pm F Block

POLICY
Visiting rules have been developed to specify required conduct for inmates and visitors to the Schenectady County Correctional Facility. All inmates and visitors must become familiar with these rules. Visiting rules are to be posted in the facility's visitation area and are to be printed in English as well as Spanish. Also, visiting rules are to be provided in the inmate rules and regulation handbook.
PROCEDURE
GENERAL

  1. Each inmate is entitled to TWO (2) visits each week as long as his/her conduct is being transported to and from the visiting room as well as his/her conduct in the visiting room warrants this right.
  2. Not complying with the strip search procedure immediately following visits is reasonable grounds for the suspension of visits. Naturally, contraband found on an inmate will result in the suspension of the specific visiting right.
  3. Contact visits will be permitted for all inmates eligible to receive visits in general.
  4. Inmates are to obtain prior approval from a supervisor if they wish to bring anything into the visiting room with them.
  5. Inmates will be responsible for letting their visitors know their visiting hours.
  6. Visits will be assigned according to scheduling. All schedules are subject to change with one week prior notice.
  7. A complete list of visiting rules, regulations and procedures is to be posted in the visiting area and in the inmate rules and regulations handbook.
  8. Visitation Schedule is to be posted in each housing unit.

Rules and Regulations

All visitors 18 years of age or older must have a valid I.D. with:

  • Name
  • Address
  • Photo
  • Date of Birth

If all 3 are not included in one document, the supporting evidence must include the same name as on the primary identification

  1. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
  2. Visitors who are intoxicated, belligerent, disrespectful and/or ill-mannered will not be permitted to visit. A visit will be terminated and the visitor required to leave should any one or more of the above conditions or behaviors becomes apparent during the visit.
  3. Visitors must leave all coats, jackets, hats, bags, and handbags in the lockers in the lobby.
  4. Chewing gum is not permitted in the visiting room.
  5. No packages, gifts, money or letters may be brought into the visiting room at any time.
  6. Legal documents for inmates may be permitted with permission from the shift supervisor.
  7. The passing of items between visitors and inmates is strictly forbidden without the permission of the Visitation Officers.
  8. All visitors will be electronically screened solely to prevent contraband from entering the visiting room. Individual visitors may be subjected to a frisk search if contraband is suspected of being in the possession of the visitor.
  9. Any visitor who brings, or attempts to bring, contraband into the facility will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Also, visits will be restricted for anyone suspected of introducing contraband to the facility.
  10. Contraband means anything that an inmate is prohibited from obtaining or possessing by statute, rule, regulation or order.
  11. Visitors may only visit the inmate they have signed up to see. Visitors are permitted to visit one inmate per visiting hour.
  12. Only three (3) visitors at a time are allowed to visit the same inmate. Babies in the arms of a visitor are not to be counted. Visitors may trade places with other peoples waiting in the lobby of the facility at half time, at the inmate's request.
  13. Inmates and visitors must remain in their assigned seats unless told to do otherwise by the officers.
  14. Children must remain seated and in control of the responsible adult at all times.
  15. Kissing and hugging is permitted at the beginning and the end of the visit.
  16. Visitors and inmates must maintain proper seating posture and decorum throughout the visit.

Visiting Inmates at Schenectady County Jail

All Visitors are subject to search once inside the facility.

The public may visit no more than one time per week, Monday through Saturday at this Schenectady NY location. Visitors must sign inat least 15 minutes before their scheduled visits. If you schedule a visit and don't show up or show up late, you will not be allowed to visit the rest of that week, including Saturday. If a visit on Saturday is scheduled, and the visitor does not show up or shows up late, they will not be allowed to visit until the following Saturday. Repeated late arrival or no-show violations may result in longer suspension of visiting privileges. Inmates are allowed no more than one (1) visit per day. Visitors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian, unless they are visiting a parent. Unaccompanied minors (under age 18) visiting a parent must present a copy of their birth certificate. Children must remain with the parent at all times during the visit. All visitors must have acceptable identification. This includes a drivers license with picture identification, military ID, or other verifiable picture ID. Three (3) pieces of non-picture ID may substitute for picture ID.

No mail or messages for inmates will be accepted. Mail must go through the U.S. Mail. Visitors may only visit the inmate they have signed up to visit. Any visitor who appears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be permitted to visit. Inappropriate behavior, including the use of profanity, will not be permitted. No weapons will be permitted. All other items listed in the jail lobby are prohibited. There is a maximum of four (4) visitors per booth, including children, and the door must remain closed.

All visitors must wear appropriate clothing, including shoes and shirts. Restrictions on attire or appearance include: No miniskirts or similar attire; no low-cut or revealing necklines; no attire with obscene or offensive language; and no persons with a bare midriff will be permitted to visit. Visitors cannot bring items into the visiting area including weapons of any kind, purses, handbags, backpacks, diaper bags, food, drink, gum, baby bottles, pictures, books, toys, writing utensils, strollers or carriers, cell phones, cameras, or any other electronic devices.

Violation of the above restrictions may cause the visit to be cancelled or terminated, and visiting privileges may be suspended by the Schenectady Sheriffs Department. The on-duty supervisor may cancel visits without notice due to circumstances within the jail.

Visitation Rules

County - Rules by type

The Schenectady County Jail, located in Schenectady, NY, plays a crucial role in facilitating successful offender reintegration into the community, a cornerstone of effective crime control strategies. With a focus on rehabilitation and community engagement, the center aims to support individuals as they transition from incarceration back into society. However, this process is governed by a multitude of rules and regulations that visitors must adhere to, ensuring the safety and security of all involved parties.

Visitors to the prison must navigate a complex set of guidelines regarding identification, conduct, and the items they can bring during visits. These rules are in place to maintain order within the facility and to protect both visitors and inmates. For example, visitors are required to present proper forms of identification upon arrival, such as a driver's license or government-issued ID card. This helps to verify their identity and ensure that they are authorized to visit the inmate.

Furthermore, visitors must adhere to strict rules regarding their conduct while inside the facility. Disruptive behavior, the use of loud or obscene language, or engaging in any form of sexual behavior can result in the termination of the visit and may lead to further consequences. Additionally, visitors are prohibited from bringing certain items into the visiting room, including cell phones, cameras, and weapons. These restrictions help to maintain the safety and security of the facility and prevent any unauthorized items from entering the prison.

In addition to these general rules, there are specific guidelines that visitors must follow depending on their circumstances. For example, visitors with children must ensure that they are supervised at all times and that they do not engage in any inappropriate behavior while inside the facility. Likewise, visitors who require medication during their visit must inform the visiting room officer upon arrival and follow the appropriate procedures to ensure that their medication is properly stored and administered.

Another important aspect of visiting a prison is understanding the limitations and restrictions that may apply to certain individuals. For example, individuals who have previously been incarcerated, are currently under probation or parole supervision, or are victims of the inmate are typically not permitted to visit. Likewise, individuals who have had their visiting privileges suspended or who have an active protection from abuse (PFA) order against them are also prohibited from visiting the inmate.

Despite these restrictions, there are procedures in place for individuals who wish to visit an inmate but are not permitted under normal circumstances. Inmates can initiate a request to have a prohibited visitor added to their visiting list, and a recommendation from the inmate's unit team may allow the visitor to be approved by the facility manager or designee. However, reinstatement of visiting privileges is not guaranteed, and individuals whose visiting privileges have been suspended must write to the appropriate facility manager seeking reinstatement.

Upon arrival at the prison, visitors are subject to a thorough screening process to ensure that they do not bring any contraband into the facility. This includes a search of their person, their belongings, and their vehicle. Visitors must also pass through a metal detector and may be subject to additional screening measures, such as drug screenings conducted by dogs or special devices. Failure to pass these screenings can result in the denial of the visit and may lead to further consequences.

Once inside the visiting room, visitors must continue to adhere to the rules and regulations set forth by the prison. This includes refraining from conversing with other inmates or their guests, as well as following any specific instructions given by the visiting room officers. Visitors are also responsible for keeping control of their children and ensuring that they do not engage in any disruptive behavior.

In addition to these general guidelines, there are specific rules that visitors must follow depending on their circumstances. For example, visitors with infants must adhere to guidelines regarding the types and amounts of baby items they can bring into the visiting room. Likewise, visitors who require medication during their visit must inform the visiting room officer upon arrival and follow the appropriate procedures to ensure that their medication is properly stored and administered.

Overall, visiting a prison requires careful adherence to a complex set of rules and regulations designed to maintain order and security within the facility. By understanding and following these guidelines, visitors can help to ensure a safe and positive experience for themselves, the inmates, and the staff.